Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5. Analysis of Hamlet's conversation with his ghostly father

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Introduction

﻿Analysis of Hamlets conversation with his ghostly father In the novel Hamlet, William Shakespeare gives the audience a dramatic series of events in Act One Scene 5. In this essay I am going to explore the concepts of which lead up to the discovery of Hamlets ghostly father and most importantly evaluate the conversation between Hamlet and the ghostly figure. Hence, comparisons and contrasts will be created as I will analyse Shakespeare?s use of language throughout this conversation. I will also discuss the effect on the audience and how interpretations may change depending on this scene. In Act One Scene One, the ghostly figure is introduced due to the visualisation of Marcellus and Barnado. At once, Shakespeare creates a sense of link to Hamlet ??is it not like the King?? as Marcellus and Barnado believe that the ghost is the dead King Hamlet. Horatio is the next character to see it, and quotes ?? At least the whisper goes so. ...read more.

Middle

List, list, O, list! If thou didst ever thy dear father love???, Hamlet replies ??O God!?? which highlights that Hamlet is feeling pain and sympathetic for his father. Shakespeare does this also to create an effect on the audience, as Hamlets emotions will also be felt to others. We also learn that Claudius committed the murder, and the Kings spirit announces to Hamlet that if he loves him he should avenge his murder. Hamlet is very content on gaining revenge, when the ghost orders Hamlet to avenge, Hamlet also then quotes ?? Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of love, May sweep to my revenge?? which reflectively emphasises that the prince is so intrigued in achieving his goal. Yet, the audience does not find any change in attitude in Hamlet as he is ready to murder and has not contrasted a little in behaviour; as he isn?t even shocked about the ghostly figure because he acts in an ordinary manner. ...read more.

Conclusion

Leave her to heaven, And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge to prick and sting her??; which rationalises that Hamlet should seek revenge on Claudius but leave his mother to face punishment in the afterlife. The ghost then leaves and the audience sees a soliloquy of Hamlet which Shakespeare uses as a dramatic device which gives the audience knowledge and information about Hamlet personality in a far deeper perspective; more characteristics are conveyed to us about Hamlet. He lectures ?? I have sworn.?? which highlights that he has sworn an oath and that he will gain revenge for his father. Therefore, I can now conclude that Hamlet and his father?s spirit have a very strong relationship and bonded closely through this scene. The spirit orders Hamlet to avenge his murder, Hamlet then promises that he will kill Claudius to prove his love for his father. Shakespeare uses many instrumental devices and language to emphasise their hate for Claudius and to describe their next plans of action. Again, the audience will have different interpretations of what is to come and will feel sympathetic over the kings death. ...read more.

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